World's Fastest Motorcycle! Suzuki Gen 1 Hayabusa Review 1999-2007

[@marekclaaen9451]

I’m riding bikes since 44 years here on German highways often without speed limits. I own a Gen1 since a few years and can say it’s the best bike for seasoned bikers like me. I love the fact that’s a pure bike without electronic gadgets. It has a real good fairing protective in any weather, alone this year I did Paris twice, London, Zurich, … you name it. Above all that the bike has a real well organized supportive drivers base in all of Europe. We just celebrated 25 years of Hayabusa organized by the Dutch association with drivers from all over Europe. 🙏 you for having this bike in one of your great videos.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@marekclaaen9451 Thanks for sharing your Hayabusa experiences! I'm envious of your highways with no speed limits. It is difficult to enjoy the Hayabusa here without risking losing your license or going to jail. Cheers!

[@ScottMiller-tu3gg]

I bought one brand new in 2005 and it just turned over 7,000 miles. I do enjoy riding it but got used to the more standard, upright seating that other bikes offer. I did install a triple tree riser and it helped somewhat. I found that with the Busa in stock form, when riding at low speeds around town, my wrists and arms get somewhat uncomfortable from leaning down on them, at highway speeds the wind pushes me back and takes some of the weight off of my arms which helps (I am 63 and not getting any younger)! I own many other bikes, but this one is in a class of its own with the power and speed that it has! Thanks for another great video!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@ScottMiller-tu3gg You're welcome, Scott. Thanks for sharing your experiences with the Busa. Cheers!

[@DickGoesonya]

@ScottMoller-tu3gg. I'm 62 have and older GSXR slow speeds put too much weight on your wrist I took my clip ons. Pushed them out helped but slow parking lot turns sucked. 6 years ago took some motocross fat bar risers put good set motor cross fat bars i bought mine salvage it's a street fighter I made a set of forward foot pegs i can ride it for few. Hours before I have to stop and unfold myself. It's almost a. Busa it's 94 GSXR 750 with a 2001 Bandit 1200s motor in the frame. No judgement just ride. Peace😮

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@DickGoesonya Very cool 😎!

[@tgeisel-k9b]

Great video as always Jon. I’m 65 years old and ride a 2015 Kawasaki ZX14R. You are right about the ease that these type of bikes reach insane speed. I’m still respectfully a little scared of my bike after all these years of ownership. You’re right about getting a medal for keeping it down to 120 mph. I have never owned another bike that seems to accelerate as hard in the higher gears as it does in 1st and 2nd.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@fun89stang Thank you! I hope to feature a ZX-14R on this channel in the future. As you mentioned, the big Kawasaki is very similar in power output and acceleration to the Busa, and I'm sure it's hard to ride it anywhere near posted speed limits! Cheers

[@RogerHale-t7k]

“I should get a medal, not a ticket “. Perfect job again Jon! I have always wanted to try one of these. Thanks for getting the juices flowing!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@RogerHale-t7k Thanks Roger!

[@nonyabusiness4151]

I think we all feel that way. You were speeding going X over.. You're joking, right? That's nothing. It's not our fault cagers can't drive!

[@elendshuraglump3620]

A very good and honest review. The Hayabusa ist still a outstanding bike, easy to handle, super powerful, if required and without any useless electronic gimmicks. It is and ever will be, an icon. I own a 2006 Hayabusa (k6) and every time i ride on it, i get a smile on my face. Best regards from Germany.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thank you! I appreciate the feedback. Happy New Year!

[@johnmignano7872]

Awesome review Jon, you always capture essence of the bike with clear communication

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@johnmignano7872 Thanks John!

[@1990-t1j]

I had a B-King for over seven years. Frightenly fast.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@1990-t1j I would love to review the B-King on this channel in the future. Cheers!

[@bosunchair13]

Owned one for a couple years it is just as strong as a busa but the lack of a fairing keeps the speeds down so way less chance of losing your licence. Also a much more comfortable riding position. Changing the exhaust makes a big difference in appearance imo for the better. Stock cans look weird and was probably the main reason why they didn't sell in north america. With lowered pegs I can ride it all day. Fantastic bike I think and I've ridden a few. My 2 cents...

[@recovering_rider]

As always, it was a fantastic review Jon. Really appreciate it. Have a great day!

[@seneca000]

Yes, great review.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@recovering_rider Thank you!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@seneca000 Thanks!

[@chetwest8192]

Great review Jon. Currently I have a '07 Gen 1 and I love it. Cheers

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@chetwest8192 Thanks Chet! They are great bikes. Cheers!

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

3:31 Just a heads up, and by no means am I trying to take away from your video captain, but the gen 1 Busas only have 1 injector per cylinder. It was the gen 2 that Suzuki added the second injector per cylinder. Thanks for a great vid. I'm personally never gonna let go of my 02 until I can hand it down to one of my youngins. All the power one could want for two up or touring riding. Super easy to work on. And looks that don't age. Truly a remarkable piece of machinery.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@joshuaanothereraseddad Right on! They are great bikes. Cheers!

[@andrewnewman6510]

Great video. Great bike. That bike is definitely on my bucket list

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@andrewnewman6510 Right on, Andrew!

[@kml666]

As a gen 1 owner for the last 19 years this was a very accurate review, most reviews on KZbin contain glaring errors. Yours did not.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@kml666 Thanks! I really appreciate feedback from the owners of the bikes I review. Cheers!

[@leviefrauim1425]

An earth shattering bike, for sure. Thanks for the review, John!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You're welcome, Levi!

[@bluefen]

I have the 2014 version with ABS and Brembos.. also a 4 into 1 Yoshi exhaust... fantastic bike.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@bluefen Very cool 😎! Suzuki has continued to refine the Busa over the years. It's an awesome machine! Cheers

[@iansians6703]

Had two Busas over 20 years up to 2022 and loved them both (Gen 1 and Gen 2). Everything you said is absolutely true - good review. Re the slightly aggressive riding position, I am also tall so fitted a 20mm riser plate to the bars (easy to get after market accessory) - did the trick. Seat is one of the most comfortable I have ever sat on, can go for a long way and you never feel sore. Can't reinforce enough what a good bike it is. I really miss it but am getting too old for a heavy bike. The balancing act is about the weight on the front wheel, heavy enough over the front to stop it wheelieing but this does make it a bit heavy in slow corners - that is the trade off. But once you get above about 80klm the corners are no problem. On a track it definitely is heavy. My biggest complaint was the sidestand - on both bikes I had the bike was prone to roll off the sidestand with little or no incentive, and I understand the Gen 3 still has the same stand - not good. Surprised Suzuki did not fix this over the three decades they've been making them.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@iansians6703 Thanks for sharing your Busa experiences, Ian! I'm sure the riser plate would help. They are solid bikes. Cheers!

[@nitrousninja882]

I own a 2007 Hayabusa and love the bike very much. It is so much fun to ride and other riders always wave and treat me like motorcycle royalty when they see me on my 'busa. I had the ECU flashed so it can run over 185mph. The ECU on the 1999 'busa can not be flashed because it is so antiquated. So my flashed 2007 makes more power than a 1999 and is not limited to 185mph because I had the top speed limiter disabled when the ECU was flashed.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@nitrousninja882 Very cool 😎! If ever a bike had "street cred" the Busa is it. Cheers!

[@markwagner909]

Nice review of the busa. But the dragbike you pictured belongs to Brad Mummert , it’s a Pro Street GS famously!! In the dragbike scene. It has a billet cylinder block and Pro Stock head. Nitrous bike.

[@douglasgrosch228]

Always wanted Busa or zx 14 but have a concours 14 all hot rod mods on it ! how different is riding one of the Busa vs concours 14 low mid VVT torque it provides / I got the concours 14 for twisties and little travel to bags on it/or off and compy seat bars ect,, thanks for great review on such ICONIC bike... cheers..

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@douglasgrosch228 That's a great question, Douglas! The Busa is much more compact ergonomically and is less impacted by wind at speed. Unlike most bikes, on the Hayabusa, your current speed has little impact on acceleration. At legal speeds, the Concours is far more comfortable. Cheers!

[@markdelichte5401]

Yep your history is right can I have the 1999 Hayabusa it's parked right beside the very first year of the Super Blackbird and they're both awesome bikes I don't dare hold them to the end

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool! Did you see my latest video featuring the Super Blackbird, FJ1200 and Busa? kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5-3cqCCm8ucd9E Cheers!

[@brianslaughter1151]

Hi guys nice review I may add. Just 18:53 a couple of things which will make things better for what it’s worth 1 brakes are not a strong point so braided lines stainless and quality pads much better feel. 2 header pipes 4-2-1 and good quality muffler then hi flow air filter, PC 5 and dyno it should be able to get 175 hp to the back wheel. With about 103 nm . 3 rev retarder which gets rid off the limiter. 4 stretch swing arm by 115 mm which means a tail tidy So all of that should not cost an arm and a leg Well worth doing unless you want it completely stock standed. PS not sure if if the gen 1 has 2 stage infection on each cylinder. Safe riding guys and enjoy.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks for the tips, Brian!

[@nickrider5220]

I've owned 2 Busas, a 99 and an 02 and ridden loads of them through my work....love them ! They handle pretty well too, especially with a trick shock and a little work on the forks, a grown up's sportsbike, a more rounded successor to the gsxr1100 🙂

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@nickrider5220 Right on, Nick!

[@ITS.ME.OG.14R]

Keep em comming jon! RRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks!

[@ITS.ME.OG.14R]

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 you know it.. love your channel ttyl

[@BiGDeE3]

ok , can't lie to ya Jon .. i just started the vid .. .35 seconds in i sincerely hope you purchased this .. lol .. i'm sure the vid will be up to par whether u did or not tho .. i so look forward to what you are getting into on 2 wheels man ..

[@BiGDeE3]

great vid broh

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@BiGDeE3 Right on, thanks!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@BiGDeE3 👍🏻

[@exc911ence_channel]

Hayabusa has to be a contender for best bike ever... I've had four (and still have a mint Gen1 in my garage)!

[@ABunchOfBusas]

Busa 隼

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! They are awesome machines! Cheers

[@derekshlutz7248]

Great review. I own a 2004 BMW K1200S which BMW released to directly compete with the Hayabusa. It would be great to see and hear how it compares to the mighty Busa.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@derekshlutz7248 I would love to review the BMW on this channel if I get the chance. I've owned a 2000 K1200S. I enjoyed it. On the BMW I had to replace all the brake lines because they collapsed internally. The K1200S was closer to a Blackbird or ZX-11 power-wise. One area where the Busa had a distinct advantage was in its slick-shifting, short-throw transmission. I liked the ABS and shaft-drive of the K bike. Cheers!

[@TreadTalk247]

Just found the channel and of course the first video is THIS ONE on the Busa! I have a Gen 2 Busa that we are installing the TTS Rotrex Supercharger on, should be 400-450 HP and tons of torque, if you ever want to review it feel free to let me know. I also have a 1995 Suzuki GSXR-1100 and a Suzuki TL1000R. I love something different about each one…

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

So cool! I would love to do a road test review any of those machines on this channel. If you want to contact me directly, you can e-mail me at: [e-mail] Happy Thanksgiving!

[@sportourer74]

Jon, I love your channel and hope to bump into you in Ephrata, PA or someplace similar. I had a 99 Hayabusa when it was almost new and made it into a "supersport" touring machine. I put bar risers on it and had a custom seat made. Givi didn't make mounts for it so I fabricated mounts to make a Givi Wing Rack from an FJ1200 fit. What you said about the subframe was true. With the extra weight of the hard bags, my aluminum subframe did break. I then replaced it with the steel subframe from the 2001 and up model. The cam chain tensioners were also defective on the early Hayabusa's and I had to deal with that issue as well. Other than that, the bike worked well and completed many long distance rides. I now have a VFR1200 with factory bags as my "supersport" tourer It is the closest thing to what that Hayabusa was with shaft drive.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool, Alexander! Thanks for sharing your Hayabusa experiences. The VFR1200 has always intrigued me. I sat on one at the NYC motorcycle show when they came out, but I've never ridden one. I hope to feature one on this channel in the future. I currently have a ST1300 in the garage and love it, but it's on the touring end of the sport-touring segment. Cheers!

[@sportourer74]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I also have an ST1300 which is my two-up "sport" touring machine. And yes, it is more of a light touring motorcycle. It is a great motorcycle which has taken me many, many miles trouble free. But, it is not remotely like the VFR1200. In my opinion, the VFR1200 was much more of a successor to the Blackbird than the VFR800 or ST1300.

[@tonyciriello6872]

What a beautiful example of that bike. Someone has kept it new looking. Nice job. What is not seen from the outside is most likely the engine internals which could be original because those bikes are bomb proof. The large displacement means that at normal riding it is so under-stressed that they can last so long. I had a second generation ZX12R Kawasaki. I put it on a mobile dyno at a local bike shop and it pulled 170 HP. The operator said it must have been a "Wednesday" engine. Bone stock. It was by far the most insanely fast and quick motorcycle I have ever owned. At 68 years old with 56 years of riding I still kick myself for not keeping it. Those bikes did have traction control and anti- lock braking. I called it "biological" control. The throttle cable was directly connected to the butterfly's. No nanny interference. You did need experience to not let the bike ride you. The newest 200 plus HP motorcycles need the nanny to help even the most experienced riders to ride another day. Thanks again for the great review of these bikes. And now I will kick myself again !!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Tony! I would love to review the 2nd gen ZX-12R if/when I get the chance. You bring up some great points on the "nanny" traction control systems on so many of the new bikes. It is absolutely necessary on the current crop of 200hp/400lb hyperbikes. In fact, it was needed on the early 150 hp R1s and ZX-10s but not available. Having owned those bikes in my younger days, I'm lucky to be here. Cheers!

[@vicpnut1]

It is Amazing that much power doesnt rip your arms off ,or constantly bring the wheel up ..! Suzuki really hit a home run with this death machine and the engineering that went into it didn t they …? I mean not even in the same ball park , but even with my 09 fz1 ( with new “faster” sprockets,forget the actual teeth count but something like 2 up 1 down or visa versa) i have to be careful not to get too right wristy at above 5-6 k rpm…if not , either the wheel comes right up or im doing 140 b4 i even look at the speedo. Lol.. i sort of talked myself out of ever owning a busa or similar just because i knew myself 😬🤷🏼‍♂️ … as always cool lil ride along and specs etc 👍🏼✌️

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@vicpnut1 Yep, the Busa is deceptively fast/quick. By the time you feel like you're just getting into the power, you're well into the triple digits and at serious risk of losing your license or worse. At this point, the Hayabusa is just hitting it's stride and you WANT to stay in the throttle. Too much temptation for me on the street! Cheers

[@Busa31-te9lp]

Bravo, superbe vidéo et bonne analyse, je roule en Hayabusa depuis 2003, j'en ai eu 3 deux de 99 dont une que j'ai toujours qui totalise 37000kms et une de 2022, que j'ai gardé 3 mois. J'aime l'hayabusa, j'ai eu plusieurs moto dans ma vie de motard permis en 1972, j'ai 71ans et j'espère rouler encore longtemps avec ma belle. Bonne route. Busa31 France

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Bonjour, merci pour vos commentaires. J'apprécie d'entendre les propriétaires des motos que j'examine. La Hayabusa est une moto fantastique. Acclamations!

[@petev.9357]

WRETCHED EXCESS. I love it. I've never rode a Bussa but owned and rode a BB for 80k+ miles. Mine was a 98, last of the carbed ones. After a jet kit, 4 degree ignition advancer, etc. it dynoed at 150 RWHP. I put VFR bars on it to raise the riding position, double bubble dark screen, and lots of tires. For me, a centerstand is mandatory. XX came with one. Don't think the Bussa even had the option. Would power wheelie in 1st gear when tach. swung past 7k. Now I'm 60, but still wonder how I'm satisfied with only 75 hp on my current bike.

[@scottbrusky2077]

1st generation Hayabusa's had a centerstand option. Had to remove a small plastic fairing piece to install it, though.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@petev.9357 Right on, Pete! Both bikes have a similar feel and will get you in big trouble very quickly. Cheers!

[@bryonshuttt436]

I thought it was the H2?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@bryonshuttt436 The H2 is speed limited to 186 mph. The H2R is a track-only motorcycle (not street legal) with far more hp and an unlimited top speed of well over 200 mph. Cheers!

[@Poppinwheeeeellllllieeeeez]

I sold my BMW m3 for all the reasons described in the video. There is no point in having all this performance if you never get to use or enjoy it. 100 kmph, it was frustrating and boring. Now, compare that to 100 kmph on my KZ650. It is exhilarating. Apples to oranges, but the same idea.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

That's why my garage has the classic bikes mostly. They keep me honest and a quick blast through the gears to 90 mph is a hoot. On the Busa, 90 mph won't get you out of first gear! Cheers!

[@wyndhamtyley6174]

i thought 2001 was the first of the speed limited models as i has 1.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I'm pretty sure the first year Busa was the only unrestricted bike. The info here can be confusing depending on what source you look at. Regardless, 186 mph is still unusably fast on the street. They're all wickedly fast machines. Cheers!

[@timkis64]

a bike for men with more gahoona's than i was born with.recognizing this is most likely why im still alive & fully functional.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@timkis64 It's a bike that demands more restraint than I possess for street use. Cheers!

[@petev.9357]

Got to get it out on the hiway, light traffic, where they have those high walls. 60 to 150 in about 15 seconds.

[@EvendimataE]

i thought the hayabusa is super heavy because it looks big. im surprised its only about 560ish lbs...and some people in japoan are even using it for motogymkhana...my next bike will be a busa 😁

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Happy New Year!

[@Patrick_59]

Missile by Suzuki 😊

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@Patrick_59 Right on!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@Patrick_59 I'm also 6'-4" tall.

[@pilotwhale]

Bought mine new in 2000. Speedometer goes to 220 mph..I can’t talk about the rest..

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@pilotwhale Thanks for the clarification. Cheers!

[@pilotwhale]

2000 are NOT limited..I own one.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@pilotwhale Thanks for the clarification. Cheers!

[@Rman1100]

In 2000 the hayabusa was dethroned by the zx12r!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@Rman1100 Only for die-hard Kawasaki fans. That's why the Busa was essentially unchanged through 2007 while the ZX-12R went through two generations and then changed to the ZX-14 in that time. I'm not saying the ZX-12R is slow or a bad bike, but it didn't surpass the Busa except maybe in the handling department. Cheers!

[@Rman1100]

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 well on paper and in all of kawasaki's marketing they officially dethroned the 99 busa in top speed! They claimed to be the world's fastest production bike officially out doing the busa. The 12R's never got popular and their motors are weaker, but that was definitely their selling point, claiming to be faster than the busa

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@Rman1100 That was the hype, but not the reality. I never saw a comparison test or top speed test where it beat the Busa. I was a big Kawasaki fan at the time (still am), and I was pretty disappointed. Cheers!

[@ABunchOfBusas]

No

[@richardwoodhouse8397]

The early zx12r was faster

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I've never seen a back-to-back test of a production model ZX-12R where it was quicker/faster than the Busa, though it was close. I was a Kawasaki fan at the time both bikes came out and I was disappointed. Both are ridiculously quick/fast but the Busa was better-built engine wise. And while you almost never see a ZX-12R at a cycle gathering, the Busas are plentiful. Cheers!

[@ABunchOfBusas]

No

[@mikewood2609]

My 2000 Busa is not restricted, as fast as a 1999 brilliant motorbike.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@mikewood2609 Right on!

[@exc911ence_channel]

My 2005 is no longer restricted. 😈

[@4.9copblank49]

I've owned a blue and silver '2000 Busa since new and now has 47,500 miles. I never modified it in any way, it is completely stock. Perfect condition. The speed limited change over was during model year '2000 but not all of those '2000 models were limited. You can tell by looking at the stator. If the stator has six leads coming off then it is NOT speed limited. If the stator has twelve leads coming off then it IS speed limited. My Busa's stator has six leads and topped off at an indicated 204 mph. That 204 mph was reached on rt64 outside Louisville in southern Indiana and I think my real speed was about 189-194.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks for the clarification. That's hauling! I've seen 170mph indicated on a few occasions and that was fast enough. I like the acceleration more than top-speed runs and all the Busas deliver in that respect. Cheers!